There’s something almost mystical about good luck, isn’t there? That perfect moment when everything falls into place, when the universe seems to smile in your direction, when you find a four-leaf clover just when you need it most. Throughout history, people have tried to capture that magical feeling in words, creating colorful idioms that speak to our universal hope for fortune and favor.

From ancient superstitions to modern-day expressions, idioms about good luck reveal how deeply we believe in the power of chance, timing, and serendipity. These phrases don’t just describe fortunate events—they carry the weight of cultural wisdom, optimism, and that spark of wonder we all feel when things go surprisingly right.

Whether you’re wishing someone well before a big interview, celebrating an unexpected windfall, or simply marveling at perfect timing, these 55 idioms will give you the perfect words to capture that enchanting moment when luck is on your side.

1. Break a leg

Meaning: A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or important event.

In a Sentence: “You’re going to nail that audition—break a leg!”

Other Ways to Say: Knock ’em dead, best of luck, may fortune smile on you

2. Born under a lucky star

Meaning: Someone who seems naturally fortunate throughout their life.

In a Sentence: “She always lands on her feet—she must have been born under a lucky star.”

Other Ways to Say: Born with a silver spoon, blessed by fortune, favored by fate

3. The luck of the Irish

Meaning: Exceptional good fortune, often used ironically or to describe surprising success.

In a Sentence: “He found a parking spot right in front—talk about the luck of the Irish!”

Other Ways to Say: Lucky as can be, extraordinarily fortunate, blessed with good luck

4. Third time’s the charm

Meaning: The belief that after two failures, the third attempt will be successful.

In a Sentence: “I didn’t get the job the first two times, but third time’s the charm!”

Other Ways to Say: Third time lucky, three’s the magic number, success on the third try

5. Strike gold

Meaning: To suddenly discover something valuable or experience great success.

In a Sentence: “The startup really struck gold with their new app design.”

Other Ways to Say: Hit the jackpot, strike it rich, find a goldmine

6. Fall on one’s feet

Meaning: To land in a fortunate position despite difficulties or challenges.

In a Sentence: “Even after losing his job, he fell on his feet and found something better.”

Other Ways to Say: Land butter-side up, come out on top, turn out well

7. Beginner’s luck

Meaning: Unexpected success when trying something for the first time.

In a Sentence: “I’ve never played poker before, but I won three hands—must be beginner’s luck!”

Other Ways to Say: Novice’s fortune, first-timer’s blessing, rookie luck

8. A stroke of luck

Meaning: A sudden and unexpected piece of good fortune.

In a Sentence: “Running into my old professor at the conference was a real stroke of luck.”

Other Ways to Say: A lucky break, fortunate happenstance, piece of good fortune

9. Knock on wood

Meaning: An expression used to avoid jinxing good fortune when speaking about it.

In a Sentence: “I haven’t been sick all year, knock on wood.”

Other Ways to Say: Touch wood, fingers crossed, heaven forbid

10. Come up roses

Meaning: When a situation turns out perfectly or better than expected.

In a Sentence: “Despite all the planning mishaps, the wedding came up roses.”

Other Ways to Say: Turn out perfectly, work out beautifully, end happily

11. In the right place at the right time

Meaning: Being somewhere at the perfect moment to benefit from an opportunity.

In a Sentence: “He got the promotion simply by being in the right place at the right time.”

Other Ways to Say: Perfect timing, fortuitous positioning, lucky coincidence

12. Stars align

Meaning: When circumstances come together perfectly to create an ideal situation.

In a Sentence: “Everything finally worked out—the stars really aligned for us.”

Other Ways to Say: Planets align, everything falls into place, cosmic harmony

13. Catch a break

Meaning: To finally receive some good fortune after a period of difficulty.

In a Sentence: “After months of interviews, I finally caught a break and got hired.”

Other Ways to Say: Get a lucky break, have luck turn around, find good fortune

14. Lady Luck smiles

Meaning: When fortune favors someone at a particular moment.

In a Sentence: “Lady Luck smiled on us when we won the raffle.”

Other Ways to Say: Fortune favors you, luck is on your side, blessed by chance

15. Win the lottery

Meaning: To experience an extremely fortunate event (literally or figuratively).

In a Sentence: “Getting into that program felt like winning the lottery.”

Other Ways to Say: Hit the jackpot, strike it lucky, come into fortune

16. Golden opportunity

Meaning: A perfect chance that’s too good to pass up.

In a Sentence: “This internship is a golden opportunity to launch your career.”

Other Ways to Say: Chance of a lifetime, perfect opening, prime opportunity

17. Fortune favors the bold

Meaning: Taking risks often leads to good outcomes and success.

In a Sentence: “I decided to pitch my idea directly to the CEO—fortune favors the bold!”

Other Ways to Say: Brave hearts win, risk-takers prosper, boldness brings luck

18. A blessing in disguise

Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be fortunate.

In a Sentence: “Losing that job was a blessing in disguise—I found my true calling.”

Other Ways to Say: Hidden blessing, unexpected gift, silver lining

19. Serendipity strikes

Meaning: When pleasant discoveries happen by pure chance.

In a Sentence: “Meeting my business partner at that random coffee shop—serendipity strikes again!”

Other Ways to Say: Happy accident, fortunate coincidence, lucky find

20. Turn up trumps

Meaning: To succeed unexpectedly or have things work out favorably.

In a Sentence: “Against all odds, our proposal turned up trumps.”

Other Ways to Say: Come through, pull it off, succeed against expectations

21. Make one’s own luck

Meaning: Creating opportunities through hard work and preparation.

In a Sentence: “She didn’t just get lucky—she made her own luck through dedication.”

Other Ways to Say: Create your fortune, forge your path, build your success

22. Midas touch

Meaning: The ability to make everything you touch successful or profitable.

In a Sentence: “Every business he starts thrives—he’s got the Midas touch.”

Other Ways to Say: Golden touch, magic touch, success in everything

23. Fortuitous timing

Meaning: When something happens at exactly the perfect moment.

In a Sentence: “Calling him just as he was reviewing applications was fortuitous timing.”

Other Ways to Say: Perfect timing, lucky moment, ideal circumstances

24. Pennies from heaven

Meaning: Unexpected money or good fortune that arrives when needed.

In a Sentence: “That tax refund came like pennies from heaven when our car broke down.”

Other Ways to Say: Windfall, unexpected blessing, money from nowhere

25. Lightning in a bottle

Meaning: Capturing or experiencing a rare, magical moment of success.

In a Sentence: “Their viral video was pure lightning in a bottle—impossible to replicate.”

Other Ways to Say: Magic moment, rare success, unrepeatable fortune

26. Land on your feet

Meaning: To recover well from a difficult situation.

In a Sentence: “No matter what challenges she faces, she always lands on her feet.”

Other Ways to Say: Bounce back, recover gracefully, come out unscathed

27. Fingers crossed

Meaning: Hoping for good luck or a favorable outcome.

In a Sentence: “I have my interview tomorrow—fingers crossed it goes well!”

Other Ways to Say: Hope for the best, wishing for luck, praying for success

28. Lucky duck

Meaning: A person who experiences good fortune, often used playfully.

In a Sentence: “You got front row seats? You lucky duck!”

Other Ways to Say: Lucky dog, fortunate one, you lucky thing

29. Hit the jackpot

Meaning: To achieve great success or find exactly what you were looking for.

In a Sentence: “I hit the jackpot when I found this apartment at such a great price.”

Other Ways to Say: Strike gold, win big, score big time

30. On a roll

Meaning: Experiencing a continuous streak of good luck or success.

In a Sentence: “She’s won three awards this month—she’s really on a roll!”

Other Ways to Say: On a winning streak, in the zone, hot hand

31. Charm the birds from the trees

Meaning: To have such good luck or charisma that even impossible things happen.

In a Sentence: “He’s so fortunate he could charm the birds from the trees.”

Other Ways to Say: Work magic, enchant everyone, have supernatural luck

32. Everything’s coming up roses

Meaning: When all aspects of life are going wonderfully well.

In a Sentence: “New job, new relationship—everything’s coming up roses!”

Other Ways to Say: Life is good, all is well, fortune smiles

33. Ride your luck

Meaning: To take advantage of a fortunate period while it lasts.

In a Sentence: “The market’s favorable right now—time to ride your luck!”

Other Ways to Say: Seize the moment, capitalize on fortune, milk your luck

34. Lucky break

Meaning: An unexpected opportunity or piece of good fortune.

In a Sentence: “Getting discovered by that producer was the lucky break she needed.”

Other Ways to Say: Big break, fortunate chance, opportunity of a lifetime

35. Blessed event

Meaning: A fortunate occurrence, traditionally referring to a birth but used more broadly.

In a Sentence: “Their engagement was truly a blessed event after years of friendship.”

Other Ways to Say: Happy occasion, joyous happening, fortunate milestone

36. Charmed life

Meaning: A life marked by consistent good fortune and few troubles.

In a Sentence: “He’s never faced a major setback—he leads a charmed life.”

Other Ways to Say: Blessed existence, fortunate life, easy path

37. Fortune smiles upon

Meaning: When luck or good circumstances favor someone.

In a Sentence: “Fortune smiled upon them when they found their dream house.”

Other Ways to Say: Luck favors, blessed by fate, heaven smiles on

38. Get the breaks

Meaning: To receive fortunate opportunities or advantages.

In a Sentence: “He finally got the breaks he deserved after years of hard work.”

Other Ways to Say: Catch some luck, receive opportunities, get your chance

39. Happy coincidence

Meaning: A fortunate event that occurs by chance rather than planning.

In a Sentence: “Running into my childhood friend in Paris was a happy coincidence.”

Other Ways to Say: Lucky chance, fortunate accident, serendipitous meeting

40. In luck

Meaning: Fortunate in a particular situation or moment.

In a Sentence: “You’re in luck—we have one seat left on the flight!”

Other Ways to Say: Fortune’s with you, you’re fortunate, lucky today

41. Luck of the draw

Meaning: The random chance that determines an outcome.

In a Sentence: “Getting a great roommate was just the luck of the draw.”

Other Ways to Say: Chance allocation, random fortune, fate’s choice

42. Magic moment

Meaning: A perfect, almost enchanted period of good fortune.

In a Sentence: “When both teams wanted to hire me, it was a magic moment.”

Other Ways to Say: Perfect instant, golden moment, blessed time

43. Pot of gold

Meaning: A wonderful reward or treasure, often found unexpectedly.

In a Sentence: “This scholarship is like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”

Other Ways to Say: Great treasure, wonderful prize, ultimate reward

44. Riding high

Meaning: Experiencing a period of great success and good fortune.

In a Sentence: “After her book became a bestseller, she’s been riding high.”

Other Ways to Say: On top of the world, flying high, in your prime

45. Smooth sailing

Meaning: When things proceed easily without obstacles.

In a Sentence: “Once we got funding, it was smooth sailing for the project.”

Other Ways to Say: Easy going, clear path, no problems

46. Star-crossed in reverse

Meaning: When fate works in your favor rather than against you.

In a Sentence: “Their meeting seemed like star-crossed in reverse—destined to succeed.”

Other Ways to Say: Blessed by destiny, favored by fate, destiny’s choice

47. Strike it lucky

Meaning: To suddenly experience good fortune.

In a Sentence: “I really struck it lucky when I found this mentor.”

Other Ways to Say: Get lucky, find fortune, luck out

48. The breaks go your way

Meaning: When circumstances unfold favorably for you.

In a Sentence: “Sometimes the breaks just go your way, and you have to appreciate it.”

Other Ways to Say: Luck’s on your side, fortune favors you, things work out

49. Touch of fortune

Meaning: A small but significant piece of good luck.

In a Sentence: “Getting that extension was just the touch of fortune I needed.”

Other Ways to Say: Bit of luck, stroke of fortune, lucky moment

50. Under a lucky star

Meaning: Protected or favored by good fortune.

In a Sentence: “She’s traveled safely everywhere—she must be under a lucky star.”

Other Ways to Say: Blessed by stars, fortune’s favorite, charmed existence

51. Win the prize

Meaning: To achieve the best possible outcome in a situation.

In a Sentence: “Landing that client felt like winning the prize.”

Other Ways to Say: Take the trophy, claim victory, achieve the best

52. Wish upon a star

Meaning: To hope for good fortune or a favorable outcome.

In a Sentence: “All we can do now is wish upon a star and see what happens.”

Other Ways to Say: Hope for the best, make a wish, pray for luck

53. Stroke of good fortune

Meaning: A sudden, unexpected piece of luck.

In a Sentence: “Finding that lost ring was a real stroke of good fortune.”

Other Ways to Say: Lucky break, fortunate turn, happy chance

54. Everything falls into place

Meaning: When all elements of a situation work out perfectly.

In a Sentence: “We worried about the event, but everything fell into place beautifully.”

Other Ways to Say: It all works out, pieces fit together, comes together perfectly

55. Fortune’s wheel turns

Meaning: When luck changes for the better after a difficult period.

In a Sentence: “After months of setbacks, fortune’s wheel finally turned in our favor.”

Other Ways to Say: Luck changes, tide turns, fortune shifts

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Good Luck Idioms

Question 1

What does the idiom “break a leg” mean?

A) To injure yourself before a performance
B) A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance
C) To cancel an important event
D) To fail at something important

Answer: B) A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance

Question 2

Someone who is “born under a lucky star” is:

A) An astronaut
B) Someone who only has luck at night
C) Someone who seems naturally fortunate throughout their life
D) A person who studies astrology

Answer: C) Someone who seems naturally fortunate throughout their life

Question 3

What does “third time’s the charm” suggest?

A) You should only try something three times
B) After two failures, the third attempt will be successful
C) Three is an unlucky number
D) You need three people for good luck

Answer: B) After two failures, the third attempt will be successful

Question 4

If someone “strikes gold,” they have:

A) Found actual gold in a mine
B) Hit something with force
C) Suddenly discovered something valuable or experienced great success
D) Painted something gold

Answer: C) Suddenly discovered something valuable or experienced great success

Question 5

“Beginner’s luck” refers to:

A) A course for teaching lucky people
B) Unexpected success when trying something for the first time
C) Bad luck that beginners always have
D) A type of gambling strategy

Answer: B) Unexpected success when trying something for the first time

Question 6

When you say “knock on wood,” you are:

A) Asking someone to open a door
B) Testing the quality of furniture
C) Trying to avoid jinxing good fortune when speaking about it
D) Making a loud noise for attention

Answer: C) Trying to avoid jinxing good fortune when speaking about it

Question 7

What does it mean when things “come up roses”?

A) Flowers are blooming
B) A situation turns out perfectly or better than expected
C) Everything smells nice
D) You need to plant a garden

Answer: B) A situation turns out perfectly or better than expected

Question 8

Being “in the right place at the right time” means:

A) Always being punctual
B) Having good navigation skills
C) Being somewhere at the perfect moment to benefit from an opportunity
D) Knowing the correct address

Answer: C) Being somewhere at the perfect moment to benefit from an opportunity

Question 9

When “the stars align,” it means:

A) An astronomical event is happening
B) Circumstances come together perfectly to create an ideal situation
C) You need to use a telescope
D) Nighttime has arrived

Answer: B) Circumstances come together perfectly to create an ideal situation

Question 10

“A blessing in disguise” describes:

A) A costume party
B) Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be fortunate
C) A religious ceremony
D) Hiding something valuable

Answer: B) Something that seems bad at first but turns out to be fortunate

Question 11

Someone with the “Midas touch” has:

A) Golden fingers
B) The ability to make everything they touch successful or profitable
C) A contagious disease
D) Very cold hands

Answer: B) The ability to make everything they touch successful or profitable

Question 12

“Pennies from heaven” refers to:

A) Coins falling from the sky
B) A religious offering
C) Unexpected money or good fortune that arrives when needed
D) Cheap prices

Answer: C) Unexpected money or good fortune that arrives when needed

Question 13

What does “lightning in a bottle” mean?

A) An actual scientific experiment
B) A dangerous situation
C) Capturing or experiencing a rare, magical moment of success
D) A type of lightning storm

Answer: C) Capturing or experiencing a rare, magical moment of success

Question 14

If someone is “on a roll,” they are:

A) Riding on something round
B) Eating bread
C) Experiencing a continuous streak of good luck or success
D) Exercising by doing rolls

Answer: C) Experiencing a continuous streak of good luck or success

Question 15

“Fortune favors the bold” suggests that:

A) Only brave people deserve luck
B) Taking risks often leads to good outcomes and success
C) Shy people are unlucky
D) You should always be loud

Answer: B) Taking risks often leads to good outcomes and success

Question 16

A “charmed life” is:

A) A life filled with jewelry
B) A life marked by consistent good fortune and few troubles
C) A magical fairy tale
D) A life spent studying magic

Answer: B) A life marked by consistent good fortune and few troubles

Question 17

What does “hit the jackpot” mean?

A) To punch a container
B) To win at gambling only
C) To achieve great success or find exactly what you were looking for
D) To break something expensive

Answer: C) To achieve great success or find exactly what you were looking for

Question 18

“Luck of the draw” refers to:

A) An art competition
B) The random chance that determines an outcome
C) A drawing lottery only
D) A card game strategy

Answer: B) The random chance that determines an outcome

Question 19

When someone says “fingers crossed,” they are:

A) Doing a yoga pose
B) Hoping for good luck or a favorable outcome
C) Showing they’re injured
D) Making a promise they won’t keep

Answer: B) Hoping for good luck or a favorable outcome

Question 20

“Smooth sailing” means:

A) A calm day at sea
B) When things proceed easily without obstacles
C) A type of boat
D) Expert sailing skills

Answer: B) When things proceed easily without obstacles

Question 21

A “golden opportunity” is:

A) A chance to buy gold
B) A perfect chance that’s too good to pass up
C) Something painted gold
D) A retirement plan

Answer: B) A perfect chance that’s too good to pass up

Question 22

What does “catch a break” mean?

A) To take a rest period
B) To break something by accident
C) To finally receive some good fortune after a period of difficulty
D) To interrupt someone

Answer: C) To finally receive some good fortune after a period of difficulty

Question 23

When you “fall on your feet,” you:

A) Trip and fall down
B) Land in a fortunate position despite difficulties or challenges
C) Stand up quickly
D) Do gymnastics

Answer: B) Land in a fortunate position despite difficulties or challenges

Question 24

“Serendipity strikes” refers to:

A) A violent attack
B) A bowling term
C) When pleasant discoveries happen by pure chance
D) A type of weather event

Answer: C) When pleasant discoveries happen by pure chance

Question 25

What does “everything falls into place” mean?

A) Things are falling down
B) When all elements of a situation work out perfectly
C) You need to organize your room
D) Gravity is working

Answer: B) When all elements of a situation work out perfectly

Conclusion

From wishing someone to “break a leg” before their big moment to celebrating when “everything falls into place,” these idioms remind us that language itself can feel lucky. They capture that ineffable quality of good fortune—the way it can arrive unexpectedly, transform our circumstances, and fill us with wonder and gratitude.

Whether you believe luck is random chance, cosmic alignment, or something we create ourselves through hard work and positive thinking, these expressions give us a shared vocabulary for those magical moments when life goes our way. So the next time fortune smiles upon you, you’ll have plenty of colorful ways to express your gratitude and spread a little of that lucky feeling to others. After all, as these idioms teach us, sometimes putting good luck into words is the first step toward creating more of it!